Hakeem Henderson is a versatile performer and classical tenor whose repertoire spans from Classical to Contemporary works. His stage roles include Don Curzio (Le Nozze di Figaro), Vain Man/Snake (The Little Prince), Fortunato (The Cask of Amontillado), and Rapunzel’s Prince (Into the Woods). He also appeared as Big Deal in the 2019 Edinburgh International Festival production of West Side Story, showcasing his talents in musical theatre.
Henderson’s concert appearances feature performances of Dubois’ Seven Last Words of Christ, Dvořák’s Stabat Mater, Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, and Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio. Additionally, he served as the tenor soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the New Orchestra of Washington, representing the Denyce Graves Foundation.
His accolades include the Encouragement Award for the Maryland District of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, third place and the Audience Favorite Award at the 2020 Boulder Bach Festival’s World Bach Competition, as well as finalist placements in several other competitions, reflecting his prowess in vocal performance.
Henderson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, and a Master’s degree from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. He has participated in prestigious programs such as the Gerdine Young Artist Program at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the Daniel Ferro Vocal Program in Greve, Italy.
In addition to his classical work, Henderson is an accomplished writer, producer, and performer of popular music. His original work has been featured on Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It and BBC Music Introducing in Manchester.
Currently, Henderson is in his first year as a Cafritz Young Artist at Washington National Opera and serves as a Brand Ambassador for the Denyce Graves Foundation.
Large Works
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in D minor, Op. 125 is a monumental piece often celebrated in the realm of classical tenor performances.
Oratorios/Sacred Works
Notable compositions include Bach Cantata, BWV 124, J.S. Bach; Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois; Stabat Mater by Antonin Dvořák; Coronation Ode by Edward Elgar; and I Will Lift Mine Eyes composed by Adolphus Hailstork. Additionally, the Coronation Mass by W.A. Mozart and the beloved Messiah by G.F. Handel showcase exceptional vocal performance in a sacred context. Camille Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio is also a significant work in the classical repertoire.
Other Works
Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music remains a favorite not only among classical tenor enthusiasts but also within the broader musical theatre community.
MASS by Leonard Bernstein showcases elements of classical tenor vocal performance, while Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim exemplifies the richness of musical theatre.
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